Endangered Structures in Lafayette, Indiana

Endangered structures are those that are considered structurally deficient. Their essential architectural elements and character defining features lack proper care and the building or establishment is now in poor condition. While we cannot help to save these buildings, we can promote awareness and seek help for the structures in need. We do this by creating and distributing the Endangered Structure List. The way to save these buildings is through restoration and this comprehensive list of historic buildings is meant to create awareness and spark interest among those who can help. Everyone at the Wabash Valley Trust for Historic Preservation is committed to saving as many of Tippecanoe County’s historic structures as possible. We dedicate our time looking for groups or individuals who are willing and able to dedicate the time and resources necessary to restoring these homes and buildings to their former glory.

ENDANGERED STRUCTURES

617 New York Street

This Queen Anne cottage with ionic columns supporting the front porch, decorative brackets under the eaves, and unusual central turret offers a reminder of the more modest dwellings built in the late nineteenth century in Lafayette.

Grandview Cemetery Building

This unusual small stone building is located on the grounds of the Grandview Cemetery. Used to store maintenance equipment for the cemetery, it is deteriorating. The current owners of the cemetery would like to restore the building, but would appreciate guidance and assistance.

Administration Building

The Administration Building was one of the 3 remaining original buildings constructed on the site of the Indiana Veterans Home in the 1890s

Farmers Institute

When the Farmers Institute opened in 1851, it was the first school of higher learning in rural Tippecanoe County, and it enrolled students from the area as well as from other states.

Lawrie Library

The building now known as the Lawrie Library was among the first buildings constructed in the 1890s on the campus of the Indiana Veterans Home.

Skywatch Tower

This tower was built in 1952 during the Korean War to protect the county against aerial attacks. The structure was cared for by the O’Conner family, who participated in the Skywatch program for many years.

Zinn-Fitzgerald House

717 Columbia Street Lafayette c. 1870
Renovation of this landmark home was begun by Lafayette Neighborhood Housing Services, and then was sold to a private contractor. However, renovations were halted because of severe structural concerns, and the property again changed owners.

Commandant’s Home

The Commandant’s Home was one of the original buildings erected on the site of the Old Soldiers Home that opened in 1896. Among the distinctive architectural features are ionic columns, dentil trim along the roof line, and the rounded front portico.

Morris School #5

School was built in 1879 in Wabash Township. Known as the Cason School. Closed in 1916. Operated as a one room school house for 37 years. Structure is made of brick and stone with a wooden floor. Located at the northeast corner of Cumberland Ave. and US 231 N. Owned by Mr. Lynn Cason whose grandparents attended the school. Curtis Roebuck, co-founder of Sears and Roebuck may have attended the Cason School (Morris School #5)

Group of concerned citizens working to save the old school for our county heritage.